Commerce City, Colo. - The connection between the Colorado Rapids and partner-club Arsenal, of the English Premier League, is taking a step forward this week with the news that an Arsenal player will be joining the Rapids preseason camp. Nineteen-year-old Gunners left back George Brislen-Hall will begin a trial period with the Rapids starting Friday.

"Steve Morrow brought it to our attention and asked us if we'd be interested in taking a look at George," said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. "For us, it's an opportunity to take a look at a kid that fits a need and has grown up in a great system. And he seems to be a good fit for our team as well."

Morrow, who played 10 years for Arsenal is now the club's Performance Supervisor for International Partnerships. He is also familiar with Major League Soccer, having played two seasons with Dallas before becoming the team's assistant coach. In 2006 he was named FC Dallas' head coach, where Pareja was his top assistant.

Brislen-Hall joined the Arsenal system in 2007 as a 14-year-old. He appeared in seven matches for the Arsenal Reserve side last year and was also part of the Arsenal team that participated in the prestigious Dallas Cup.